NATO countries to strengthen eastern frontiers with new military bases

NATO countries refused to provide military assistance to the Ukrainian army and declared the beginning of strengthening its eastern borders in case of possible Russian aggression.

Recently in Brussels, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg praised the idea of France and Germany to resolve the conflict in the Donbas. At the same time, the defense ministers of the Alliance did not find understanding regarding the possible supply of weapons to the Ukrainian Army – NATO rejected the request from Kyiv to provide lethal weapon, Joinfo.ua reports with reference to the German TV channel Das Erste. Instead, the Alliance will increase military presence on its eastern borders.

"In Ukraine, violence is getting worse and the crisis is deepening. Russia continues to disregard international rules and to support the separatists with advanced weapons, training and forces," Stoltenberg said.

Therefore, the military bloc will construct six new military bases in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Bulgaria. Only a few combat service support units will be deployed there, however, NATO openly states its position on the east.

"Even if the situation gives cause for serious concern, I see the supply of weapon as a wrong step, because it has the potential to significantly exacerbate the situation, since it will give Russia a reason to openly intervene in the conflict," stated Ursula von der Leyen, German Minister of Defense, commenting on the German position regarding provision of weapon to Ukraine.

She remarks, that NATO is developing and Germany is facing new challenges. Under the command of the German Army Alliance intends to form a new division of the Rapid Reaction Forces for rapid response in crisis situations.

According to German journalists, "NATO is arming itself for a new, more complex situation in the world. Troops should be alerted, especially on the eastern border of NATO. In disagreements with Moscow generals are starting recalling forgotten strategy – military intimidation."